The Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act amendment in 2015 mandated establishment of District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) in all mining-affected districts. These DMFs are the cornerstones for implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), aimed at the welfare and development of the areas and people affected by mining operations. To date, DMFs have been set up in 646 districts across 23 mining states, with mining companies contributing between 10 to 30 percent of their royalty towards these funds.

To enhance the effectiveness of DMF operations and promote cross-learning, the Ministry of Mines will conduct a National DMF Workshop on 9th July at SCOPE, CGO complex, New Delhi. The workshop will be inaugurated by Union Minister of Coal & Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy, and Minister of State for Coal & Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey. Representatives from the Ministry of Mines, other related Central Ministries, DMF districts across India, State DMF Nodal Officers and Line Ministries will participate.

The workshop aims to facilitate cross-learning among states and districts, build capacity of the officers planning & implementing projects under DMFs, and encourage effective implementation of PMKKKY guidelines. The expected outcome is a deeper understanding of DMF planning and enhanced capability to implement the guidelines effectively. Further, to give impetus to the Government’s focus on development of most backward areas, operational guidelines for convergence of DMF projects with the Aspirational District and Aspirational Block Programmes will also be launched.

In conjunction with the National DMF Workshop, the Ministry of Mines is also organizing an exhibition of Self-Help Groups’ (SHG) products supported by the DMFs, from 9th July to 15th July at Handloom Haat, Janpath. The exhibition will also be inaugurated by Union Minister of Coal & Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy and will be open for public.

This event marks a significant step in aligning DMF efforts with sustainable development goals, and development with equity.

*****

Shuhaib T

 

(Release ID: 2143153)